With precision akin to a master archer, the arrow sliced through the air, finding its mark with flawless accuracy. It cut through the gelatinous barrier of the Slime without a moment's hesitation, embedding itself directly into the core. A satisfying explosion followed, marking Ryoshu's victory with ease. As he surveyed the aftermath, a sense of accomplishment washed over him, impossible to ignore."Looking on the bright side, if I manage to escape from here, I'll emerge stronger than ever," Ryoshu mused aloud, his thoughts drifting toward the potential outcomes of his endeavors. Despite the unexpected turns of events, he couldn't deny the allure of the challenges that lay ahead.From the depths of the void, the cold, mechanical voice of the System reverberated, fulfilling Ryoshu's anticipation. The Archery potential had ascended to the coveted E-rank! Waves of power and knowledge surged through him, akin to a performance-enhancing drug, propelling him towards new heights of capabilit
As the dimly lit cave scene gradually dissolved, it gave way to a sprawling expanse bathed in radiant light, casting its glow into every crevice and corner. The source of this illumination seemed to emanate from somewhere within the vast emptiness, a space within what could only be described as a colossal and towering chamber."Maybe the light here comes from outside," Ryoshu speculated, standing atop a considerably spacious rock ledge compared to the cramped confines of the cave he had just left. Traversing from one end of this ledge to the other would take ten minutes.The grandeur of this cavern couldn't escape his notice, even surpassing its in-game counterpart in expansiveness.However, amidst the awe-inspiring sight, one aspect remained unchanged as Ryoshu peered down the cliffside. It starkly contrasted with the vastness of the cavern, being relatively modest in size. It could accommodate only about ten adult-sized persons stacked atop one another in height."But even a fall fr
Ryoshu grappled with an inner turmoil threatening to erupt like a Category 8 hurricane. The anguish of the electric shock, the impact of his fall, and the resurgence of previous injuries brewed within him, seeking retribution. Each ache and throb served as a grim reminder of the perilous battle ahead.Sensing his escalating agitation, Ryoshu took the preemptive step of deactivating his Mana core to evade detection. Beads of sweat cascaded from beneath his mask, reminiscent of someone on the brink of vomiting... or perhaps he indeed was. The weight of impending danger hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that seemed to suffocate him.His mind whirled like a spinning top, flipping his perception of reality inside out and upside down. Every direction seemed to interchange, leaving him disoriented amidst the chaos around him. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a steely resolve burned within him, driving him forward despite the odds stacked against him.Ryoshu strained to focus through his ling
"Moving to the right..."Ryoshu's mind swiftly translated the command into action, though his movements were deliberate, almost cautious. Each step was measured as a calculated response to the impending threat."Shift left and advance ten steps..." Over ten minutes of relentless sprinting had left Ryoshu's stamina teetering on the edge of exhaustion. It felt like an unseen specter was chasing him down, urging him to push beyond his limits. In this virtual realm, the sensation was akin to being pursued by a Grade C Slime, relentless and unforgiving.Despite the mounting fatigue, Ryoshu's sharp memory served him well, enabling him to deftly evade the boss's attacks. However, the exertion had taken its toll, and he had exhausted all charges of the Time Bullet skill, leaving him with no recourse but to grant himself a fleeting moment of respite. It was a calculated risk, allowing his mind to recover even as his body begged for rest.Thankfully, the boss's combat patterns remained unchang
"Damm it... Why does it have to be this mistake out of all the foolish ones...? It feels like everything is crumbling, like it's all over now," despair seeped into the already darkened atmosphere, weighing heavily on Ryoshu's chest.But then, amidst the suffocating darkness, a glimmer of hope pierced through his despair like a ray of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. An idea ignited in his mind with the ferocity of an instinctive battle cry."Oh no, I still have this skill... If I'm in free fall, this skill will work!"As the Time Bullet's influence faded, he wasted no time activating the last skill he could recall."PIERCE!"A surge of crimson light enveloped the arrow, its brilliance a stark contrast against the shadowy backdrop. It was the first time he had seen this skill's effect manifest with such breathtaking power.For a brief moment, it felt like his spirit and Fumiya's became one, their energies merging seamlessly. The arrow streaked towards the Slime's surface with un
While the rough estimation might not offer pinpoint accuracy, if we assume Grade E to be approximately twice as formidable as Grade F, then Grade D should theoretically possess a strength 4-5 times greater than Grade E. Yet, here stood Ryoshu, pitted against a Grade C behemoth, while still lacking any official rank. This stark contrast implied that the monster must wield a power at least ten times greater than his own.Despite the daunting odds, Ryoshu clung to a single advantage: the creature's Defense had been halved, significantly tipping the scales in his favor. Therefore, fleeing was out of the question. Even if he entertained the notion of escape, the labyrinthine depths of the abyss rendered it nearly impossible.Fleeing had never crossed Ryoshu's mind, even in his darkest moments. "What reason do I have to fear a boss whose every move and technique I've already committed to memory?" he defiantly pondered.He engaged the Slime creature with unwavering resolve, patiently biding
Ryoshu's fingers tightened around the bowstring, a palpable tension coursing through his muscles as he prepared to unleash his devastating attack, "Impact." The weight of his impending action hung heavy in the air, his resolve unyielding despite the exhaustion gnawing at his being. Yet, after 14 seconds, a sense of urgency clawed into his consciousness as he felt his mana reserves dwindling rapidly, like sand slipping through his fingers. With a decisive flick of his wrist, he deactivated the invisibility mode of his mask, a practical concession to conserve his waning energy."Perhaps the invisibility feature saps more energy than I initially anticipated," he mused aloud, furrowing his brows in contemplation. Determined not to squander even a fraction of a second, he extended the charge time by six seconds, channeling Fire mana into the final arrow with practiced precision.As he released the arrow, a dazzling blaze of orange-red light erupted from its tip, flooding the cavern with it
At 21:06 on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Ryoshu gradually regained consciousness, his mind still foggy from the ordeal he had just endured. With a groan, he instinctively reached for his watch, the glow of its display piercing through the dimness of his surroundings. "Have I been out for long... well, at least I'm not late..." he muttered to himself, attempting to gauge the passage of time.Awareness flooded back into his battered body, and Ryoshu was met with a symphony of pain. Every nerve screamed in protest as he attempted to shift his position, the slightest movement sending jolts of agony coursing through his limbs. He fought against the waves of discomfort with gritted teeth, determined to reclaim control over his body. Each attempt to sit up felt like a monumental task, his muscles straining against the weight of his injuries.With trembling hands, Ryoshu gingerly explored the extent of the damage. Severe burns marred his skin, the angry red welts a stark reminder of the fier